Community / Economic Development
Memphis Tells Residents: If You Mow It You Can Own It
Residents who put in the effort of maintaining vacant property will have their hard work rewarded and will be offered the opportunity to purchase the property.
Breaking News: End of the Line for Keystone XL Pipeline
After TransCanada hit the "pause button," President Obama hit "reject." The seven-year saga has come to an end, announced President Obama in a noon White House statement to the press on Friday where he took no questions.
Advice for Newly Elected Officials About Vacant and Abandoned Properties
A few words to live by for elected officials in communities working to transform vacant and abandoned properties into valued, productive uses.
5 Big Ideas for Oakland
People are looking for ideas in the Bay Area. Across the water from the calcified world of San Francisco, Oakland offers the flexibility and energy to build an equitable and dynamic resource that benefits the entire region.
Memphis and the Origins of the Crosstown Concourse
In an interview with Crosstown Concourse's Todd Richardson, Thriving Cities explores the challenges of revitalizing and transforming Memphis' old Sears Roebuck Building.
Making Places Where People Persevere
Of all the sub-topics in urban planning and design, the ones likely to generate the most anxiety are those where land use planning intersects with economic development. Ben Brown ruminates.
Shell Gives Another Early Christmas Gift to Environmentalists
Shell Oil surprised the environmental community in September by announcing an end to Arctic drilling. What could come next? Shell is abandoning plans for the Carmon Creek oil-sands project in Alberta and taking a $2 billion write-down.
Does Brooklyn Suffer From a Lack of Gas Stations? The Chamber of Commerce Thinks So
For the center of the hipster universe, the Brooklyn Chamber's recommendations may come as a surprise.
China Ends One-Child Policy
It's the end of an era. After 36 years, China has decided to end its restrictive one-child policy, by allowing couples to have two children. Why the change? In three words: an aging population.
New Research on Gentrification
Describing the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's recent study on gentrification in that city.
Op-Ed: Why Cities Need the 'Poor Door'
Drawing on a distinction between equality and equity, Rick Jacobus argues that so-called 'poor doors' are a necessary compromise to promote affordable housing and neighborhood integration.
Newark and New York
Only 10 miles separate New York City and Newark, New Jersey, but the two can seem worlds apart. Damon Rich, who moved from New York in 2008 to lead Newark's planning office, speaks about how his work there has shaped his perception of both cities.
Bicyclists and Sunday Drivers Clash in DC
To some, a protected bike lane saves lives; to others, it threatens the survival of a community.
Porchfest: Your Guide to a DIY Community-Building Good Time
Scott Doyon shares his thoughts on last week's Oakhurst Porchfest. Potentially useful for anyone looking to launch their own version.
Pittsburgh's Food Deserts
A map of Pittsburgh's food deserts illustrates a nationwide problem with food insecurity.
Why Some BIDs Succeed Where Others Fail
An in-depth study of business improvement districts (BIDs) in two Los Angeles neighborhoods examines the factors behind their success or failure.
A Citizen's Wish List for Boston Transportation
As part of the city's long-term Go Boston 2030 plan, residents were consulted about what improvements they would like to see. Answers included an end to fatal crashes and better-integrated, more frequent transit.
The Walking City
What implications does pedestrian activity have on urban design? Creating walkable environments for pedestrians can improve urban conditions according to Arup architect Demetrio Scopelliti. We spoke to him about upcoming research on the topic.
How One Couple Led the Renaissance of a Cleveland Neighborhood
Call it gentrification or rebirth, but a couple's move into the Hingetown neighborhood has led to a transformation of the formerly "toxic corner" of Cleveland.
What Makes a Great Public Space?
The question is often asked and answered by urban planners and placemakers. The perspective offered here boils the essential qualities down to centrality, connectivity, and cachet, with a strong dose of urban "commoning."
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
